- Cannes We Steele be Friends?
Part 1
- Date: Saturday, July 22, 2000
- From: sue hantak <hantaks@mtco.com>
I have started a story, but simply have no idea where to take
it. I decided to use it as the basis of an experiment. You the
readers get to put in your 2 cents(or more). Simply read what
I have started and give me your input on what should happen next
: Will he stay? Will he go? Should we involve Daniel? Just email
me off list if you have any thoughts.
CANNES WE STEELE BE FRIENDS?
"Miss Holt?"......
Laura was lost in thought. A million details to process. I 'm
so late for work. This is the dumbest thing I've ever done. How
am I going to work like this?
The nurse gently touched Laura's knee and spoke a little louder,
"Miss Holt?
Is there someone you would like to call to pick you up?"
Laura snapped her attention back to her surroundings; small white
sterile room with nondescript curtain dividers along with all
the usual emergency room equipment and staff. She sat there in
an ill-fitting hospital gown draped around her front, just a
bra and jeans underneath.
The nurse prodded again, "Do you have someone to help you
out?"
Laura finally spoke in a low trancelike tone, "Umm no, I
ah, I drove myself."
"Are you sure you can manage with that cast?" the nurse
asked skeptically pointing to the plaster covering Laura's left
arm up past the elbow.
"I'll be fine," Laura replied with a bit more determination
even though she clumsily got down from the gurney . She shook
the gown from her body and picked up her t-shirt and then she
realized that dressing herself along with almost everything else
was going to be a bit more challenging.
She was never any good at asking for help. She had grown accustomed
taking care of herself, not wanting to be too dependent on anyone.
Besides, she didn't really have anyone that she was close to;
in that way. Frances and her mom both lived across the country.
Murphy had been her best friend for all those years, but he too,
was gone. That left Mildred and him. Mildred worked for the agency
though, and this was somewhat personal. Of course, HE was the
last person in the world she ever would ask for help.
It was three weeks ago when she laid down the RULE... in Cannes
about keeping things professional. They came back to LA keeping
their distance. It wasn't working though, they had argued just
two days ago. The argument was over nothing. The tension between
them, however, was the catalyst that agitated a mild disagreement
over agency spending into yet another brouhaha that ended with
Steele storming out the office.
"I can do this ", Laura assured herself as she juggled
her belongings in one hand and fumbled her way to her car. "At
least it's Friday, I'll go home, call into Mildred and have three
days before I have to face the office(i.e. HIM). Driving the
car wasn't the problem, but within the small confines of the
Rabbit, she had to slightly twist her body and move the seat
back just to get in or out.
"Remington Steele Investigations?", Mildred's voice
announced.
"Mildred, its me, Laura. I'm going to be working from home
today, could you messenger over the files on my desk"
"Sure Miss Holt, is there anything wrong?"
Laura thought for a moment in confiding in Mildred her predicament,
but she decided to downplay it to avoid any undue attention.
"No, just a slight problem driving in today."
"Miss Holt, I can call Fred if you're having car problems..."
Mildred offered.
"No Mildred, that's ok, just send me what's on my desk.
Is Mr. Steele in?"
"Sure let me connect you,"
She really didn't want to talk to him, but before Laura could
protest, Mildred had connected her to his extension.
"Laura, Where the devil are you?" Steele inquired.
"I'm working from home today, I was just checking in. Don't
forget you have that luncheon today with the Women's Anti-Crime
Coalition. I'll have Mildred reschedule any real appointments.
"
Really, Laura, I think I could handle taking on some ....Remington
started, but was cut off.
"Mr. Steele I hate to think what would happen if you tried
to handle a case alone.
Laura scolded. "just charm ladies at lunch, its what you
do best."
Again he was relegated to being just a showy frontman. Doing
the dog and pony show, rubber chicken circuit was getting old
and very demeaning.
"Fine, " he replied in a very hurt and deliberate tone.
Why am I putting up with this? I could be anywhere in the world.
It's time to give Daniel a call.
********************************************************************************
He decided to stop by her loft on the way to the airport that
evening. It would have been too easy to just get on the plane.
He was wanted the petty satisfaction of seeing her wounded by
telling her he was leaving. He had enough of her sanctimonious
crap. He pounded on the metal door, his goodbye speech was well
rehearsed in his head. When she opened the door however, all
was forgotten when he saw her somewhat disheveled appearance
with a cast on her arm.
"Good Lord Laura, what happened to you?
"Nothing,...it's nothing... I fell." Laura responded
rather unconvincingly.
Again he was reminded that she did not trust him, would not confide
in him about things and snapped back to reason for his visit...
- End Part 1
- To Part
2
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